Last month we saw a letter from a mainstream publication at the end of the
1920s. And this month I promised we would shift gears - fast forward to the era of Stonewall. This is not necessarily by design, but rather because the mainstream publications for the next number of years no longer saw fit to cover transgender subject matter in a correspondence column. Of course "we" were still there, but in the written word transgender, crossdressing, and homosexuality were subjects covered by various "codes of decency" as topics for censorship and litigation, and so the subjects just kind of disappeared as regular features in the popular press. The loss was not noticed by a society eager to embrace the conformist morality of the 1940's and 1950's. Of course, in
the early 50's the sensationalism of the subject of Christine Jorgensen's transsexuality was the exception, and Ed Wood's movie Glen or Glenda is one of the more accurate portrayals of the transgender phenomenon that even has
lessons that can be learned today. But the correspondence pages did not cover the subject.
The 1960's were a time of revolution in politics, art, music, culture, and most of all sexuality -- "Free Love"...what a powerful concept! Although crossdressing alone didn't come up as a subject much, in the context
of broader sexual discussions, particularly in the area of homosexuality it was mentioned. A pivotal Time article in the late 60's described the transgender subject, and even captioned a picture of drag queens on a fashion runway "a little beefcake with the cheesecake." Syndicated advice columns such as Hints from Heloise, Dear Abby, and Ann Landers were widely published and read in most newspapers of the US.
A few words of caution - don't get too upset at the advice proffered in response to the letters. In their time, they planted the seeds of the idea in the minds of the populace that tolerance and acceptance of variation was okay. This would help pave the way for the transgender revolution that would follow. This month's letters are from the early 1970's.
Dear Advice Columnist:
As I write this letter I am wearing a skirt and blouse, silk underwear, a wig, makeup and high heels. I am a 30-year-old male, happily married and the father of two children. I have never had a homosexual relationship in my life and have no urge to engage in one. I just enjoy wearing women's clothes.
When dressed as a woman I am completely relaxed and totally at ease. Also the feminine side of my personality emerges. As a woman, I do things any woman would do - straighten the house, cook, go to the supermarket or shop for my feminine attire.
My wardrobe is extensive but not gaudy. Mostly skirts and blouses, dresses, underwear and high heels. I sleep in male pajamas. My wife understands my need to express my feminine feelings. We spend a lot of time together as two
"girlfriends," shopping, chatting, etc. I pass easily and do not worry about detection.
The children are usually asleep when I come home, so there is no problem there. But as they get older and stay up later, I would like to explain to them that Daddy likes to wear women's clothes. A sensible answer is all I want. I am not asking for approval. -R.P.
Dear R.P.:
Stay in the closet as long as possible where your children are concerned. I see no useful purpose that could be served by sharing this information with them. It would only confuse the kids and possibly encourage them (if they are
boys) to imitate Daddy. This you don't need. And they don't either.
How many of us saw this, or something like it, and read it as a "green light"
to further explore our transgender feelings? We should all have such an
accepting SO as R.P. did in our lives. The next letter is from the same era:
Dear Advice Columnist:
Having been readers of your articles for years, may we ask a question? Is it against the law for a man and wife to appear in public in opposite-sex clothing?
Here is how it started: I am much taller than my husband. We get along well together, and we are both normal sexually. The problem: A few years ago I bought Bill a pair of platform wedgies and asked him to try them on. He
objected at first, but after a while began to enjoy them. This was psychologically important and pleasant for us both. It makes us the same height.
From the wedgies it was just one step for him to try on one of my dresses. With makeup and a wig, Bill looks prettier than I. He enjoys crossdressing, and I think it's a lot of fun.
A few weeks ago Bill suggested that I wear male clothing, so when we go to a restaurant or to the theater we can be "a couple." Our main worry: Is what we are doing against the law?
--Want To Be Legal
Dear Legal:
The only law I know of pertaining to clothing is that adults are not permitted to appear in public without any. Do it if it pleases the both of you.
Next month well explore an advice column from one of the largest fashion
magazines of the time, and explore the practical advice that helped change
peoples minds.